Multiple Intelligences

When Howard Gardner introduced the theory of multiple intelligences (MI) in the early 1980s, he proposed a departure from the conventional view of intelligence. In MI theory, Gardner (1999) defined intelligences as “a biopsychological potential to process information that can be activated in a cultural setting to solve problems or create products that are of value in a culture” (pp. 33–34). In contrast to g, a measure of general intelligence that is typically assessed using standardized intelligence tests or achievement tests (such as the SAT or ACT), MI theory has delineated at least eight intelligences that all people have available to them, and use, throughout their lives. It is important to note that, although everyone has access to all of the multiple intelligences, most people have strengths in one or two particular abilities.

The eight intelligences are as follows:

• 1.
  Linguistic intelligence,
• 2.
  Mathematical/logical intelligence,
• 3.
  Bodily/kinesthetic intelligence,
• 4.
  Interpersonal intelligence,
• 5.
  Intrapersonal intelligence,
• 6.
  Naturalistic intelligence,
• 7.
  Musical intelligence, and
• 8.
  Spatial intelligence.

Linguistic intelligence and mathematical/logical intelligence are the two intelligences assessed using standardized assessments such as the SAT or ACT, intelligence tests such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), and the Wechsler Pre-school and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI). Gardner suggested that the emphasis on linguistic and mathematical/logical abilities is one of the biases of conventional ideas about intelligence. In contrast, MI theory proposes that some abilities, such as interpersonal intelligence or naturalistic intelligence, are not as readily measurable but are still important abilities that ought to be acknowledged and nurtured to strengthen human development.

In MI theory, eight criteria must be met for a strength or ability to be considered one of the multiple intelligences: (1) in the brain, the location of an intelligence can be isolated by brain damage; (2) its evolutionary history can be traced and is plausible;(3) its core operations must be readily identifiable;(4) there is a symbol system associated with the ability (such as the alphabet in linguistic intelligence);(5) its developmental history can be traced and a set of optimal performances has been identified; (6) idiot savants, prodigies, and other extraordinary people have been identified; and both (7) experimental psychological tasks and (8) psychometrics evidence support its existence. The following sections summarize each of the eight intelligences meeting the inclusion criteria set forth by MI theory. In addition, examples of careers that are well-suited for individuals who have strengths in a given intelligence are discussed. Activities that can be used to strengthen each of the intelligences also are provided.